here is where i tell you about the syntax
of my veins. how, when i was young,
which i, of course, no longer am, i would empty
my blood in to the soil.

here is where you respond by saying,
& in the matter of
course, there is also the matter of direction,
the matter of balconies & also
of skin, & the terminally ill.

here is where i say, yes, but
you've forgotten love.